Rachel + Greg in Chicago
Photography : Arielle Teft Photography
Venue : Chicago Illuminating Company
Planning : Revel Rose
Floral Design : Graham Stanton Co
If you don't know our story already, let's recap: Graham Stanton is a mash-up, a power-move-partnership, a joining-of-forces in the floral and event industry. Robin owned and operated Curtsy + Bow events while Chelsea owned and operated GLDN Floral + Event before creating a new brand together in 2019. Working alongside each other in the industry for years, we developed a similar passion for clients and experiences. We also just barely missed the chance to be friends during our late college and highschool years (Hi, Mutual Friends!) and have made up for it as adults by choosing friendship as a foundation for business partnership.
It was a thrilling and fast-paced ride to create a new brand and identity together, and we did it smack in the middle of the busiest wedding season yet. If that's not a taste of the Graham Stanton ethos, we don't know what is! More fun, more work, more love for our clients, more celebration! Cheers to that. We carved some time to create a room-filling floral installation of our textural dreams, pumped the jams, poured some drinks, laid out some cheese, and invited our dear friends to hang out with us for a few hours. Erin of Erin Hannum Photography captured us in our element of design and friendship in genuine ways we didn't think possible. (We can never figure out what to do with our hands in front of a camera.. if they aren't making something.)
Cassie of Northern Native knocked our collective socks off with short films that we not only prize as branding material.. but as an homage to our love of sweeping and our obsession with Robin's furbaby and GS Flower Dog, Apollo. Leigh of Savage Design Co. integrated images and video into the incredibly personal brand identity she crafted for us, and we are beyond obsessed. We love our people, and love that the story of our brand is woven of some dear friends' talent and interpretation of our vision. We are Graham Stanton.
Beautiful Events. Luxe Floral. Good Vibes.
Photography: Erin Hannum
Videography: Northern Native
Floral Design + Art Direction: Graham Stanton Co
Graphic and Digital Design: Savage Design Co
We were beyond honored to participate in this game-changing boss-babe mashup for the Wedding Fashion World at large. Ox + Opal is the brain-child of two talented and loved photographers, Erin Hannum and Cassie Tackett. They created Ox + Opal to solve a problem and change the world : Bridal Gowns and Fashion collections built on a foundation of inclusivity and style. Offering vintage goods, one of a kind items, and within the first year launching a custom collection by Love Lives Here of high style bridal gowns designed to fit all bodies and tastes.
Graham Stanton was just one of four Flower Houses invited to design custom bouquets, accessories, and headpieces to launch to collection. We jumped all over the chance to "claim" Adelaide as our darling. The neckline, power sleeves, name, and sleek covered buttons spoke to us on many levels. We took the dramatic line of sleeves and neckline and ran.. creating some wild and crazy bouquets rooted in strength and graceful lines. We'll also take any opportunity to create headpieces and FLOWER EARRINGS. This entire fashion shoot was a huge collaboration of talent in our industry, and we are humbled and grateful to call these women friends and collaborators. Make sure to explore the credits on these images, as it was truly a wide network of love.
Photography: ox and opal
Video: Northern Native
Dresses: ox and opal in collaboration with
love lives here bridal
Designer: love lives here bridal
Green backdrop: birch affair Floral
designers: graham stanton co / hyssop floral
willa rose floral / bhakti flowers Floral
Wholesaler: mayesh wholesale / mayesh detroit
Makeup Artists: glam by andreea / kyle ann design / emily morss
Studio: Russell Industrial Center / scott sprague photography
Models: @rschulz927 / @jadelhdavis / @caitlinmauricetaylor @perrijanelle / @lillian_ee / @selenarpet / @fashionlayn @melanie.allred / @collettesnyder
Graham Stanton loves a good waffle. And a good party! Folk Detroit is a neighborhood favorite, with a locally-sourced menu and focus on a sustainable approach to a fair wage structure for the team. In addition to a monthly rotating "Flower Cloud" installation inside the sunny all-day cafe, Robin and Chelsea of Graham Stanton partnered with Rohani and Kiki of FOLK to kick off the Private Events program in the space. A dreamy night of friendship, laughter, charcuterie, cocktails and candlelight were the perfect recipe. Contact FOLK directly to book the space for yourself and your friends ... and order a waffle for us!
Photography: The Kismet Collective
Floral Design + Event Planning: Graham Stanton Co
Ceramics: Katie Bramlage
(formerly known as Make Do Studio)
Calligraphy: Plume and Proper
Textiles: Rosemarine Textiles
Venue, Food, Beverage: Folk Detroit
Rentals (Furniture + String Lights): Modernly Events
Large-scale floral installations are Graham Stanton's jam. The gravity defying installation inside Woods Cathedral floated above an epic dining table, suspended from the cathedral height ceilings by an infrastructure as intentionally designed as the floral piece itself. Stretching over fifty feet long, and reaching floral heights of 12-15 feet this labor of love transformed an already beautiful space into an emotionally impactful experience. The hanging installation was built with a complete 360 degree view in mind, with dinner guests sitting below on both sides and viewing the structure from the Woods Cathedral balcony.
Guests were also welcomed into the dinner experience by a "growing" installation hugging the foyer entrance doors and stairway; an installation that literally moved with guests into the larger space, by wrapping around the door threshold. While Graham Stanton's lead floral designers Chelsea and Robin drove the design and production, it existed in space as a direct result of collaboration, friendship in design, and good-spirited hard work. Architectural Consultation and Infrastructure Design credit goes to Anthony Morin, and the installation came to life with a talented team of Design Freelancers willing to have their head in the (floral) clouds alongside us.
The final product radiates collaborative design, and is comprised of almost exclusively Detroit-Local foraged material with intentional use of bleached preserved floral product. Go big, or go home. Or ... just go bigger and go to a cathedral!
Floral Design Conception, Construction, and Installation: Graham Stanton
Architectural Consultation, Infrastructure Design, and Construction: Anthony Morin of AJOM Architecture / Omilian and Morin Architecture and Design
Floral Design Freelance Team: Ellen Rutt, Meg Stojcevski of Posie Atelier Floral, Julia McCammon, Liza Lewis
Venue: Woods Cathedral, Detroit Michigan
Designed and Installed for a private ticketed dinner hosted by Our Secret Supper in the Roca Patron Series, featuring Chef Kate Williams
We knew from Meeting Number One with Jon + Eva that this would be one of our very favorite weddings to plan. We were tasked with creating a non-traditional, elevated house-party-vibe event for 300 of their nearest and dearest. (And when we say nearest and dearest, we really mean it. Every single guest was greeted with a huge smile, hug, high five, and genuine gratitude by the couple.) After shopping some great venues, we decided to really go for it and host the whole affair at the home of their good friend in the historical Boston Edison neighborhood of Detroit.
When you're going for a house party vibe...there's no better way to achieve it than with A HOUSE PARTY.
Jon + Eva’s good friend and ceremony officiant Paddy Lynch (owner of Detroit staple - The Schvitz) graciously opened his home and gave us free reign to create a flow that worked for everyone. From a beautiful ceremony on the front lawn to backyard dancing under the stars, every moment of the day allowed guests to appreciate the beauty of Paddy's 1917 historical home and feel warmly welcomed into the celebration of Jon and Eva's love.
We especially wanted to make sure that our vendor team starred Detroit's best - keeping our business local is hugely important to us; so we selected food, bar, and entertainment from locals that we love.
Guests had the pleasure of snacking on charcuterie by Monger's Provisions, Barbecue by Detroit legend Slow's, Tacos from El Guapo, and a Middle Eastern spread by Bucharest Grill. We finished the night with a cookie bar from Detroit Cookie Co, custom coffees by Cappucino Man, and even hookah!
Bob Mervak lead the ceremony and cocktail hour music with a live trio, and we moved into a DJ mix (specifically and painstakingly chosen by Jon himself) to dance the night away after speeches. Everything was so beautifully captured by GS fave, Erin Hannum. Erin is the GOAT with those unexpected photos of intimate moments… that take your breath away. We kept our decor simple, so as not to compete with the existing beauty of the estate and yard; but the hands-down favorite detail? We were honored to include the ring of Eva's late father in her bouquet. (We cried when we made it, for sure.) Every inch of the space was used intentionally, and curated with guest experience in mind. All in all, it was an evening full of the many reasons why we absolutely love our job; we get to help create meaningful moments that celebrate love and all things good and beautiful.
Photography: ERIN HANNUM PHOTOGRAPHY
Floral Design + Event Planning: Graham Stanton Co
VENUE : PRIVATE HOMe, OWNER OF THE SCHVITZ
ENTERTAINMENT : BOB MERVAK TRIO
RENTALS : GREAT LAKES TENT + EVENT SOURCE
BAR SERVICE + CURATION : THE KieSLING DETROIT
CATERING : SLOW’S BBQ, EL GUAPO, BUCHAREST, MONGER’S, DETROIT COOKIE CO, CAPPUCINO MAN
LOUNGE FURNITURE + DESIGN RENTALS : MODERNLY EVENTS
One of the best parts of our job is showing off what Detroit has to offer, to the family and friends of our clients. When Amy and Garreth first started chatting with us, we knew immediately that we were going to get to craft a super special weekend for them and their loved ones. Amy was living in NYC at the time, and Garreth, a UK native, was still in Europe well into our planning process. Knowing we’d have guests attending from all over the globe, we really wanted to focus on highlighting Detroit’s finest.
The ceremony was in an equally breathtaking spot – St. Anne De Detroit – the second oldest continuously operating Parish in the country. When Amy wanted to surprise Garreth with a Welsh Bagpiper, we could not contain our excitement. The incredible effect when he piped down the aisle didn’t leave a dry eye in the building.
Not to be outdone by Amy’s surprise bagpiper, Garreth had planned a little surprise of his own… a live Elvis impersonator to jump in during their reception! Admittedly, this might have been more of a treat for him than for Amy, since he’s the one who LOVES Elvis, but it was one of the most memorable wedding moments we can remember pulling off. The look on Garreth’s mom’s face when she got to dance with The King was priceless.
We needed a space that carried the historical grandeur of he city, and when we learned that the once-private Detroit Club opened to the public in 2019, we jumped at a chance for a visit. It’s a stunning space full of grand staircases, beautiful marble fireplaces, and a ballroom that has hosted many US Presidents over the years. Amy and Garreth (and their families!) fell in love immediately.
Getting to know our client’s friends and families during the wedding is always such a fun experience for us – and this time was no exception. We had a blast explaining our (sometimes nonsensical) American wedding traditions to the UK crew, and we know they loved learning about some of the city’s most iconic spots. Fun fact — The Brits in the crowd were stunned and ecstatic about the open bar.
When it came to Amy’s design and floral, she completed trusted us to run with it (which...HELLO is our dream client.) We kept things in a classic and traditional color palette with lots of texture and warmth. Our florals were complemented by the beautiful work of Liz from Jade Social – her fabric seating chart and beautiful signage really put everything over the top. As we’ve said before, we really love when we get to utilize florals in a deeply personal way. Amy’s father had passed away unexpectedly during the planning process, and she wanted to feel like she was carrying him with her throughout the day. We used a favorite tie to wrap her bouquet, and included a small locket with his photo to pay homage and respect. During his toast, Garreth read a note written to him by Amy’s father when he asked for her hand in marriage – Amy’s was a wonderful father, and someone we really wish we had more time to get to know.
This day, and the couple it was about, held all the elements that make our hearts beat for this work – personal, unique and intimate weddings that focus on people in love, and the people that love them.
amy and garreth vendor details
E + M
Classic Country Club Chic
Country Club of Detroit
October 2022
Photography: ERIN HANNUM PHOTOGRAPHY
videography + photobooth : Monnette Co
Floral Design, Full Event Planning and Design: Graham Stanton Co
VENUE + HOspitality : Country club of detroit
print work : cordial punch press
ENTERTAINMENT : BOB MERVAK TRIO + DJ Justin Reed of Lufru entertainment
RENTALS : GREAT LAKES TENT + EVENT SOURCE
ARMONIE + TERRY
The Whittier
Detroit
